Get Ready Main Street - The 800lb Gorilla is Coming

If you own a small business this news should warm your heart. Walmart has announced that it will shift some of their national television advertising dollars to local TV in some 60 markets. The company will create 1,500 "hyper-local" television ads targeting price. Actually, they will be targeting the local retail stores which dot Main Street.

Why?

Because they want a bigger slice of the grocery store business. But, you can bet it does not stop there.

The retail giant will not only produce a mind-blowing 1,500 ads they will also extend the life of the campaign by using social media.

Before you put up the "Out of Business" sign some things you can and should be doing...now: (Uhm...HyVee, Fareway, Dahls and others...)

Hammer Local - You are already the local business. Today get "hyper-local" in your marketing efforts. You live in the community. You give back to the community. You serve local community friends, family and neighbors.

Get Creative - There are a dozen ways in which you can top this move if you sit down and think, "How do I better serve shoppers?"

Get Personal - While Walmart is going to highlight price by comparing sales receipts you can highlight the people you serve and the people that serve the consumer. Make it a personal experience.

Get Help - Trust me, you can't do this alone. I realize you "think" you know advertising/marketing it's not your core craft. You make stuff to sell stuff or buy stuff to sell stuff. Marketers are the folks who help you sell...more with better communication.

You can not attack this with Facebook alone. You can not respond with cool signs. You cannot do this with newspaper ads. You can't do this with a speech at your local Chamber. You can't. It is that simple. To be able to extend your brand to your core audience you must employ a host of methods...and you might want to get started today.